Hear Her Story with Chevise Thomas.

The journey of a woman in the meat industry is often filled with both challenges and opportunities. For Chevise Thomas, her path has not been linear but rather a journey of self-discovery, resilience and mentorship.

Today, Chevise serves as the Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance at FPL Food where she is responsible for regulatory compliance across three facilities. She provides strategic leadership to uphold product integrity and ensure compliance. Beyond her technical expertise, she advocates for women in the workplace, continually pushing for greater inclusivity and diversity.

The meat industry is historically male-dominated, and for a young woman entering the field, establishing credibility can be a daunting task. Chevise recalls having to prove herself – often working twice as hard to earn the same level of respect her male counterparts. She has overcome these challenges by letting her work speak for itself.

“I have realized that success and consistency are the best responses to doubt,” she says. “I remind myself daily that I have worked hard to be here, I belong in this space, and giving up is not an option.”

Her advice for others facing similar struggles? “Embrace challenges as opportunities, for the rewards that follow will be significant.” For her, that meant pushing beyond her comfort zone, focusing on continuous self-improvement and learning from mentors. In fact, the power of mentorship cannot be overstated in Chevise’s opinion.

“I firmly believe that the guidance and support I have received from my mentors have shaped not only my career but also my character,” she says.

From the early days of her academic journey to her current leadership role, she leaned on the guidance and support of mentors who helped her navigate obstacles, sharpen her leadership skills and build a stronger sense of purpose.

Chevise is a proud member of the Meat Institute's 2025 Class of Emerging Leaders and says the mentorship she’s received from industry veterans so far has been truly transformative.

“This mentorship has not only accelerated my professional growth by broadening my perspective and deepening my understanding of the industry,” she says. “It has connected me with a network of like-minded individuals who share my passion and drive.”

Chevise also participates in the WMIN mentoring platform and together, credits programs like these for expanding her professional relationships and fostering a deeper sense of belonging and empowerment in the industry.

Chevise notices a positive shift toward greater gender diversity and inclusion as more companies realize diverse perspectives contribute to better decision-making and innovation. Chevise also is hopeful about the rise of females in industry leadership positions. The progress she’s witnessed suggests gender equality is achievable, especially when diversity is embraced as a key driver of business success.

Chevise advises women looking to enter the meat industry to be confident and determined. She believes women in the meat industry not only have the power to create a lasting impact today but to pave the way for future generations.

Chevise’s personal journey, from a shy girl in Jamaica to a meat industry leader, serves as a beacon of inspiration. She stands as a reminder that perseverance, mentorship and belief in one’s potential can overcome any obstacle.